Committees

Bylaws

Chair(s):Deborah Thedford- Zimmerman

The committee shall consist of members as appointed by the President. The committee periodically reviews the Bylaws with compliancy of NBNA bylaws, notifying the members of the proposed amendments at least thirty (30) days before the meeting and prepares the amendments for presentation to the membership.

Community Outreach

(1) Work with community organizers in providing opportunities for
community programs and health fairs to improve the health of
consumers and minorities within the community.

(2) Collaborate and maintain working relationships with health workers and community service organizations.

Education

Chair(s): Tammy Davis

The committee works with providing educational opportunities through hosting educational events targeted for nurses, nursing students, health care professionals and lay persons in the community. Provide CEU opportunities throughout the year to nurses and nursing students. For more information on our CEU opportunities, click here.

Finance

Chair(s): Deborah Andrews

The committee consists of members including the treasurer. The committee considers and recommends means for securing adequate income, recommends an annual budget to the Board of Directors, advice the Board of Directors and the chapter concerning investments and other financial business. The committee prepares and presents the financial report at the end of the year to the Board of Directors, membership and to NBNA.

Health and Wellness

African American women although not diagnosed with a higher incidence of cancer die at a higher rate. The BBNA proposes to: 1) provide culturally appropriate breast cancer and health awareness education, to encourage African American women in the Black Belt (South Western Corner of Alabama) affiliate area and Jefferson County, Alabama to have early detection and screening, i.e. mammograms (once a year if over the age of 40), clinical breast exams 2) form collaborative partnerships whereby the partners will assist with providing: a) culturally appropriate breast cancer educational material, b) breast cancer screening services, i.e. mammograms, clinical breast exams, 3) provide survivor support services to breast cancer survivors and their families. BBNA will utilize these measures in efforts to decrease the disparity of the incidence of deaths from breast cancer among African American women in the Black Belt affiliate area and Jefferson County, Alabama.

Alabama ranks 2nd in the nation for obesity. The BBNA proposes to change the behavior of the membership by embracing the challenge of curtailing obesity and becoming role models for the clients of whom they treat. Chapter members will walk at least three times per week; they will attend yoga classes; and adapt for their use unique healthy recipes. Sponsored by a Grant from the National Black Nurses Association, Inc. (NBNA).

INFANT SLEEP SAFETY
Chair(s): Theresa Rodgers

EACH ONE TEACH ONE: BACK TO SLEEP

The BBNA proposes to (1) assist in conducting a research study, (2) teach friends and family, and (3) do Community Outreach to teach persons in the community how to placed infants when they are sleep in an effort to reduce SIDS. Freda Centor, RN, MSN at UAB Women & Infant Center states: “In 1992, the American Academy of Pediatrics released a recommendation that infants be placed on their backs to sleep in order to reduce the incidence of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). This recommendation has saved the lives of many babies, and the infant deaths attributed to SIDS have been reduced overall by half. Despite this great success, a disproportionate number of African American infants continue to die. African American babies are more than twice as likely to die from SIDS as Caucasian babies. Recent health literature suggests that the discrepancy may be due to a lack of knowledge about the life saving recommendations and/or a lack of compliance with the recommendations.

BBNA proposes to educate victims, nurses, health professionals and the community about the warning signs of domestic violence and the resources available. Chapter members will participate in health fairs and community events to educate that Domestic Violence does not only affect the victim and the victim’s family but affects the whole community.

Health Policy

The committee works collaboratively with organizations and health care providers through disseminating information, initiating and supporting nursing and health legislation in Alabama and the national arena.

Hospitality and Decorations

The committee works with promoting fellowship throughout the organization, greets and welcomes new members, may welcome new members via phone calls, prepares food and beverages for meetings and works at satisfying specific requests members may have.

Membership

The committee works with ensuring that members and potential members have information about our organization. This committee devises ways and means of recruiting new members, aim at retaining former members and expanding membership opportunities for nurses throughout the State of Alabama. For more information on the benefits of being a BBNA member, click here.

Mentorship

The committee works with being a role model and mentoring to elementary, middle school, high school students, nursing students, licensed practical nurses and nurses who need assistance in the healthcare field. For more information click here.

Program

Chair(s):

The committee works with making recommendations to the board for activities affecting the nursing profession.

Scholarship and Awards

Chair(s): Theresa Rodgers

The committee works through establishing, disseminating, screening and preparing criteria to candidates for NBNA and chapter scholarships, awards, and recognition. Announces selected scholarship and award recipients at chapter and NBNA appropriate annual events. For more information on our annual scholarship opportunities, click here.

Website

Chair(s): Gladys Amerson

The committee shall assist the web designer with updates to the website on at least a quarterly basis. The committee receives, reviews and approves along with the Board, articles and ads for posting to the website.

Publicity & Public Relations

Chair(s):Tammy Davis, Jennifer Coleman and Gladys Amerson

The Committee shall disseminate news releases and photograph major events and important meetings. The Committee shall help the organization plan and develop marketing efforts that support the organization’s purpose and programs.